Softworks Blog

Spreadsheet errors are costing businesses billions, according to financial modelling company FIF9. In their eBook "The Dirty Dozen - 12 Modelling Horror Stories" they estimate that 88% of spreadsheets have some sort of error in them and that approximately 50% of spreadsheet models in use operationally in large businesses have material defects. They state that these mistakes are not just costly in terms of time and money - but also lead to damaged reputations, lost jobs and disrupted careers.

The dirty dozen spreadsheet horror stories include leading organisations such as Oxford University, MI5, The London 2012 Olympics, JP Morgan Chase and the US Federal Reserve. According to their eBook the biggest blunder came from Harvard University who had a spreadsheet error in their analysis of international Government debt to GDP ratios. The flawed research has been quoted as a basis for various European Government austerity measures, which are having profound impacts on millions of its citizens. They say that although there is some debate about the why’s and wherefores' of the economics, the discovery of the spreadsheet error has been well publicised and is highly embarrassing for the 2 eminent academics involved, Carmen Reinhart & Kenneth Rogoff. You can download the full eBook via this link

Spreadsheets undoubtedly have their place within businesses and can be used by many areas of the business, not just finance, for data computation and reporting. However, there is no doubt that there are limitations and errors are common. Many of the companies that use our solutions migrated from "Excel systems" I use the word system loosely!

Before installing Softworks, their HR, time & attendance, holidays/vacations and even scheduling/rostering data was managed in Excel spreadsheets. Separate spreadsheets for each, often managed by different departments and/or personnel. Of course, not surprisingly the data never seemed to match up perfectly between spreadsheets and errors were common. I think we can learn something from this ... and certainly in our experience and our space, change has meant savings in time, money, administration and errors.

We have just published a new white paper that examines, how the latest in workforce managment solutions, can assist COOs and Operations Directors. The paper is free to download.

Modern Workforce Management Platforms, build a bridge between the operational and the strategic elements of a business which is why they have become so important to assisting senior operations executives with their business challenges. They can assist companies of all sizes to increase operational efficiencies, reduce labour costs and attract and retain skilled workers leading to a more profitable business.

In this paper we will look at the the multi-faceted and challenging role of the COO/Operations Director that includes responsibility for; business processes & operations, strategic planning & execution and driver of efficiency, and how WFM Solutions can assist in this all-encompassing role. Following this, we look at how modern WFM solutions, are driving operational and business performance and profitability, by striking a balance, between the needs of the business and the needs of the employee. Finally, we reveal why the latest in WFM technology is key to the future success of organisations and why today’s most senior operations executives are getting involved if not leading WFM projects.